I think your friends/family are caught up with the social stero-types i.e. “There is NO way a straight, single guy can ONLY be your best friend”. Real friendships do not have a perfect recipe (i.e. would they be more comfortable with you being best friends with a woman or even better, a gay man?). Why? because that’s more common now days…women can only be best friends with other women or gay men, if not, it’s weird. The fact that you and this man have a true, real friendship is amazing. If you and him get on and your husband is ok with it then so be it.

I think your husband is comfortable and mature that he trusts you. When you tell your best friend that you love him in front of your husband he knows that you’re not saying ‘I love you so much best friend I can’t wait until we sleep together or take it to the next stage’. From what you are saying, you are completely happy being his ‘rock’; his true friend; and his ‘sister’ and I’m sure he really appreciates you.

Not sure if you bring your friend around your family or husband but maybe you should. If you have a BBQ one night and friends and family are coming over, invite your friend and tell him to bring one of his friends. Let everyone get to know him and see how much a of a friend he really is… (completely up to you, but if their comments are bothering you, go for it!)..